Imagine biting into a warm, crispy wonton shell, revealing a delicious blend of sautéed chicken and fresh coleslaw, all drizzled with sweet chili sauce. The flavor profile—savory, sweet, and slightly spicy—makes these Chicken Wonton Tacos an unforgettable treat. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crunchy, flavorful delight that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a fun weeknight dinner, these tacos are a fantastic choice that promises satisfaction.
This dish is not just about amazing flavors, but it also offers incredible ease of preparation, making it perfect for busy home cooks. With a short cooking time and minimal ingredients, these tacos deliver both savory goodness and vibrant colors that will wow your guests. Dive into this delightful culinary experience with our Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several compelling reasons to whip up these Chicken Wonton Tacos today. First, the flavor combination is absolutely irresistible. The blend of hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ingredients creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Second, the recipe is incredibly simple and quick. With just a little preparation and a short cooking time, you can serve a delicious meal within 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering.
Third, the versatility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to your tastes. You can experiment with different proteins, sauces, or even toppings, ensuring that you never get bored with this delightful dish.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 (397g) bag coleslaw
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 16 wonton wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Chopped cilantro, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray the wonton wrappers lightly with cooking spray or brush them with olive or canola oil. Drape the wrappers over the edges of a 9×13 baking dish to form a shell. Bake for 7-8 minutes, checking closely to avoid burning.
Once the edges start to brown, take them out of the oven. Carefully pull the wonton shells apart while they are still pliable to make filling easier. Return the wonton shells to the oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
In a large bowl, mix the diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Sauté the chicken mixture for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the coleslaw. In another bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss until everything is well coated.
Once the chicken is ready, fill each wonton shell with the chicken mixture. Top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
Serve these tacos hot for the best flavor and texture. Arrange the crispy wonton shells on a platter and fill them right before serving to maintain their crunch. Pair these tacos with a fresh side salad or some crispy vegetable chips for a complete meal.
For drinks, consider a refreshing iced tea or a light beer to complement the flavors. To elevate the presentation, place a small bowl of sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping and garnish your plate with extra cilantro for a pop of color.
How to Store Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
To store leftovers, place the filled tacos in an airtight container (preferably glass) and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have unfilled wonton shells, store them separately.
For freezer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. To reheat, the oven will give you the best texture—place the tacos back in at 375°F for about 5 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
Tips to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider marinating the chicken the night before in the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings.
- Substitutions: If you’re out of hoisin sauce, you can make a simple substitute by mixing soy sauce with a bit of peanut butter and honey.
- Avoid Sticking: Ensure that the wonton wrappers are lightly greased, as this prevents them from sticking to each other or the baking dish.
- Batch Cook: Double the recipe so you have extra to freeze for later; simply store the chicken mixture and wonton wrappers separately.
- Adjust Texture: If you prefer a creamier texture in your coleslaw, try adding a bit of mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Enhance Flavor: Add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy twist.
- Presentation: Use a variety of toppings like avocado or mango salsa to add a unique flavor and visual contrast.
- Customizable Options: Consider making a vegetarian version using tofu or jackfruit as the filling.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ginger and garlic rather than powdered.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sauté the chicken in batches if using a large quantity to avoid steaming instead of searing.
Variations
1. Veggie Delight Tacos
For a plant-based option, swap out chicken for diced tofu or chickpeas, marinating them similarly in hoisin sauce and sautéing until golden. Toss in extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for added crunch.
2. Spicy Sriracha Wonton Tacos
Add a kick to your tacos by mixing Sriracha sauce into the chicken marinade and drizzling more on top of your finished tacos for heat lovers.
3. Barbecue Chicken Wontons
Substitute hoisin sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce before filling the wontons.
4. Mediterranean Wonton Tacos
Mix Mediterranean flavors by using ground lamb or beef, seasoned with cumin, coriander, and parsley, and topping with a cucumber yogurt sauce for a fresh and tangy contrast.
5. Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Tacos
Infuse sweetness with pineapple chunks and a homemade sweet-and-sour sauce instead of hoisin, creating a tropical flavor profile that will be a hit.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture and coleslaw beforehand. The wonton shells can be baked and stored in an airtight container for a day. Just fill them and serve when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover filled tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the filling and shells stored separately.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken filling for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Wonton wrappers can also be frozen but should be thawed in a single layer to prevent sticking.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin, you can mix soy sauce with peanut butter and a touch of honey for a similar sweet-savory flavor.
How do I prevent the wonton shells from burning?
Watch the shells closely while they bake, especially the first time you make the recipe. If they start to brown too much, you can pull them out and check for doneness.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your wonton wrapper package for gluten-free options, as traditional wrappers contain wheat.
Can I double/halve this recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. Just ensure even cooking times for larger batches.
These Chicken Wonton Tacos are not only packed with flavor, but they also bring a fun twist to your dinner table. The balance of textures and tastes will surely delight both your guests and your family. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious creations!
Chicken Wonton Tacos
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, finely diced
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
For the Coleslaw
- 1 bag coleslaw (397g)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
For Assembly
- 16 pieces wonton wrappers
- to taste sweet chili sauce, to serve
- to taste chopped cilantro, to serve
- to taste sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
Prepare the Wonton Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray the wonton wrappers lightly with cooking spray or brush them with olive or canola oil.
- Drape the wrappers over the edges of a 9×13 baking dish to form a shell and bake for 7-8 minutes, checking closely to avoid burning.
- Once the edges start to brown, take them out of the oven and carefully pull the wonton shells apart while they are still pliable to make filling easier.
- Return the wonton shells to the oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Cook the Chicken Filling
- In a large bowl, mix the diced chicken with hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken mixture for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Prepare the Coleslaw
- In another bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Toss until everything is well coated.
Assemble the Tacos
- Once the chicken is ready, fill each wonton shell with the chicken mixture.
- Top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!